MA Filmmaking

This is a production based and industry focused course that enables you to pursue your own particular filmmaking interests, whether in documentary, fiction or experimental film. The course is focused on the individual and your project development, and is designed to help create the next generation of outstanding filmmakers. You gain the technical ability and creative confidence to plan and produce original, challenging and bold projects for independent cinema, television and galleries.

On this course you
• develop your production-based creative and technical ability
• focus on developing your own project and productions skills to a professional standard
• produce material for your showreel that will help to get your film project funded after you leave the course
• benefit from our dedicated staff team and from our excellent links with the UK and European film and television industry.

This course has been designed to fit with industry thinking and to help you play a full part in the industry once you graduate. It is structured for both full-time and part-time students.

The main focus of our activities is the development of the specific project you applied with. You develop your thinking, skills and project through various practical exercises designed to help you push yourself and your project forward. This is achieved through the production of demonstration materials, trailers or short films that serve to showcase your ideas and talents. We want all our students to be shooting and producing as much film as possible while at Hallam.

Alongside your practical creative skills you also develop your critical thinking, research, planning and logistical skills and put these to immediate use. The staff team are committed to helping you achieve the maximum possible benefit from your time on the course.

In line with industry workflow and practice, the course is planned with short, very intense workshops and exercises. These are followed by research and group tutorials built around more reflective practice.

Many of the teaching staff are industry professionals and specialists in their own areas. In addition we have regular input from industry practitioners.

In the first stage we audit your practical skills level, augment them and strengthen them where necessary. You complete exercises based on the original project you pitched at interview, with the objective of building a full picture of the practical and intellectual skills needed to bring your project to fruition.

In the second stage you produce materials that present your chosen project and display your own unique talent.

The third stage focuses on the industry context that your project will be born into. You develop your project and presentation materials to the point where they are market-ready, preparing you to launch yourself into a filmmaking career.

Placements and work experience
We have excellent links with the cultural industries in the region and to the film and television industry. These links help you gain work experience with film and TV productions. In the year 2015-2016 all MA students had on-set industry work experience.

Sheffield Doc/Fest links
We have a close working relationship with Sheffield Doc/Fest, one of the world's leading documentary festivals. This provides you with many unique benefits, from attending master classes and real pitching sessions to meeting internationally renowned film and television experts. All MA students get a full complementary pass to the festival. Each student will have a bespoke networking plan to ensure they can make the most of the festival even if they are not developing documentary ideas. You are also encouraged to attend other festivals throughout the year such as Edinburgh and Berlin.

Further industry links
In collaboration with Creative England, we have advanced screenings of new up-and-coming filmmakers work. These bi-monthly screenings are attended by cast and crew and give you the chance to form productive relationships with the independent film production sector. Screenings are followed by informal drinks and networking sessions allowing you to maximise the benefits of the occasion. The professional strategies module in the last semester brings film expertise from around the globe to help students further develop their projects. The objective of this intense face-to-face series of workshop is to lay the groundwork for your career development for years to come.

Expertise
You are taught by a team featuring active professional filmmakers and researchers, many of whom are international award winners in contemporary independent cinema, television, sonic and visual arts.

Staff include:
• Colin Pons – course leader, filmmaking and production
• Virginia Heath – writing and directing
• Susannah Gent – filmmaking
• Mark Parkin – cinematography and filmmaking
• Ron Wright – sound design
• Chris Hall – editing
• Katy Carroll – research and project development

Broadcast standard facilities
All our production materials and films are originated on high definition digital video using broadcast standard sound recording equipment. Post-production facilities include AVID digital editing and Pro Tools HD surround sound. This enables films to be created and completed to a high professional standard.

2016 entry requirements**Normally you need one of the following *

• an honours degree in an area of film and television production *

• an honours degree in a related discipline, plus significant filmmaking practice *

• significant media or cultural industry